A significant discovery has emerged from the depths of the Pacific Ocean with the identification of a vast undersea metropolis known as the Kunlun hydrothermal field. Researchers using a human-occupied vehicle (HOV) revealed this expansive site, measuring approximately 11.1 square kilometers (4.3 square miles), which is over a hundred times larger than the famous Lost City hydrothermal field in the Atlantic Ocean.
The discovery was spearheaded by scientists from the Laoshan Laboratory and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), who have positioned the Kunlun hydrothermal field as a prime example of geological and biological phenomena in the ocean. Unlike the Lost City, renowned for its jagged carbonate towers, the Kunlun field features an intricate system of deep craters and dolomite walls, creating a striking underwater landscape.
Unveiling the Undersea Landscape
The hydrothermal vents at Kunlun shimmer under a cascade of marine ‘snow’, presenting a ghostly yet mesmerizing sight. With around twenty hydrothermal vents, this newly discovered site offers a unique ecosystem that researchers believe could provide insights into the origins of life on Earth. The site was located northeast of Papua New Guinea, an area previously unexplored in this context.
The conditions at Kunlun are markedly different from those found at other hydrothermal vents. The site emits hydrogen-rich fluids at temperatures below 40°C, contrasting sharply with the high-temperature ‘black smokers’ typical of other areas. Researchers note that these hydrogen-rich fluids are reminiscent of the primordial ‘hot soups’ that may have existed billions of years ago when life began to emerge.
According to marine geochemist Weidong Sun, the Kunlun field is not only significant for its size but also for its ecological potential. “We observed diverse deep-sea life thriving in this environment, including shrimp, squat lobsters, anemones, and tubeworms—species that may rely on hydrogen-driven chemosynthesis,” he stated.
Implications for Research and Energy
The implications of this discovery are profound. Researchers estimate that the Kunlun hydrothermal field contributes up to 8 percent of the global abiotic hydrogen flux from submarine sources. This significant output suggests that the site could be an important location for studying the origins of life and the processes that generate biological diversity.
The geological formation of the Kunlun vents is also noteworthy. They were formed when seawater interacted with the Earth’s mantle, resulting in heat and hydrogen being released. The initial stages likely involved explosive events that created large craters, followed by a series of reactions that allowed hydrogen to accumulate over time.
The unique characteristics of the Kunlun system, located 80 kilometers west of a trench within the Caroline Plate, challenge previous assumptions about where hydrogen generation can occur. According to the research team, this finding positions Kunlun as an “ideal target” for exploring deep-sea hydrogen as a potential energy source.
“The Kunlun system is unique not just because of the exceptionally high hydrogen flux we observed, but also because of its scale and geological setting,” Sun remarked. This discovery may pave the way for further exploration of similar undersea metropolises, expanding our understanding of both geological processes and the potential for life in extreme environments.
The study detailing these findings was published in Science Advances, indicating a significant step forward in oceanographic research and the quest to understand the complexities of life in the deep sea.
